Name: Elijah Watson
School:  Valdosta State University
Position: DL
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 290

What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

My main focus individually was to improve 1% everyday. I know my potential is limitless and to become great is a process. From a team standpoint my goal was for us to win a National Championship.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

We worked! Mentally and physically. I transferred at the beginning of the pandemic. Which started a journey that would eventually test me mentally and give me new perspectives. On the other hand it lit a fire under my tail, me and my peers would spend our entire day(s) last offseason working on our craft.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

I put my heart into the game and I love my teammates! That my main purpose was to be a dependable brother and teammate.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

The techniques taught to me by my DL coach Marc Yellock has standards. If ANYTHING is slightly off when we watch film, it needs to be addressed and fixed because it’s not the standard. During game week we focus on the other team in film study rather than us. We see how they operate their box, how the TE or RB alignment tell us what they are trying to do. We watch OL tendencies, does he lean, how does he punch, etc.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

Tangibly my quickness and hands in both the run and pass game. Intangibly my refusal to quit no matter the circumstances.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

Being an under the radar guy I’m keeping it homegrown. I’ll be doing my combine training with my S&C coach Lonnie Maddox and my positional training either with my DL coach or myself!

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

I am today’s Defensive Lineman. I can play all techniques from 5 tech to 0 tech, and I’m at the very tip of my potential. Off the field I lead by example. Something I noticed 2020 off-season is whenever I relentlessly started working on my craft some of my teammates followed suit.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

I play the game and live my life with a 1-0 mentality. Even if you beat me today, you’ll have to beat an improved version of me tomorrow.